How to Engage A Tough Audience At Your Event
How to Engage A Tough Audience At Your Event
As an event planner, you’ve probably seen it all… audiences that are lively and engaged, and others that seem like they’d rather be anywhere else. Some sit with arms crossed, some stare at their phones, and then there’s always that one person who looks personally offended that they even had to show up. So how do you turn a quiet, hesitant crowd into one that’s fully engaged and enjoying the event?
After performing at hundreds of corporate events, I’ve learned that winning over a tough audience isn’t about what you do. It’s about how you do it. The good news? You don’t have to rely on luck. With a few strategic choices, you can set your event up for success and ensure your audience is engaged from start to finish.
1. CHOOSE AN ENTERTAINER OR SPEAKER WHO CAN READ A ROOM
Not all performers and speakers are created equal. The best ones know how to read a room and adjust their approach accordingly. When booking entertainment or speakers, look for someone who has experience working with corporate audiences, understands pacing, and knows how to create interactive moments that draw people in.
2. SET THE TONE EARLY
If the event starts with a low-energy introduction or an awkward silence, that mood can carry through the rest of the night. Instead, create engagement from the very beginning. A high-energy host, an interactive icebreaker, or an exciting opening act can set the tone and get people in the right mindset.
3. ACKNOWLEDGE THE ROOM’S ENERGY (AND SHIFT IT IF NEEDED)
A quiet or resistant audience doesn’t mean your event is failing—it just means they need a little nudge. The right performer or speaker will acknowledge the energy in a lighthearted way. Something as simple as, “Wow, you all are a lively bunch. Don’t overwhelm me with all this excitement!” can break the ice and loosen people up. Encouraging moments of laughter or participation early on can create momentum that carries through the rest of the event.
4. ENCOURAGE INTERACTION TO BREAK THE ICE
The fastest way to engage a tough audience? Get them involved. If your event includes a speaker, a panel discussion, or entertainment, make sure there are opportunities for interaction—whether it’s a live Q&A, an audience poll, or a segment where attendees get to participate. The more involved people feel, the more engaged they’ll be.
5. CHOOSE ENTERTAINMENT THAT BUILDS CONNECTIONS
A passive audience is a disengaged audience. Entertainment that encourages connection—whether it’s through humor, storytelling, or direct audience participation—creates a shared experience that brings people together. Magic, for example, isn’t just about tricks; it’s about creating moments of surprise and connection that people will talk about long after the event is over.
6. REMEMBER: CONFIDENCE AND ENERGY ARE CONTAGIOUS
If your host, speaker, or entertainer lacks energy, the audience will reflect that. On the flip side, if they bring enthusiasm and confidence to the stage, the audience will follow. When planning your event, ensure that the people on stage are comfortable, prepared, and capable of bringing the right energy to match your event’s goals.
7. DON’T TAKE INITIAL RESISTANCE PERSONALLY
Sometimes, an audience is slow to warm up—not because of the event itself, but because of external factors. Maybe they just sat through a long meeting. Maybe they’re distracted by an upcoming deadline. Maybe it’s just after lunch, and they’re in a food coma. Instead of worrying about a quiet crowd early on, focus on what you can control: creating an engaging atmosphere, setting the right tone, and ensuring your entertainment or speakers are equipped to bring the audience in.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Tough crowds aren’t bad crowds—they just need the right environment to fully engage. As an event planner, you can set your event up for success by choosing the right entertainment, encouraging interaction, and making sure the energy in the room starts off strong. With a little strategy, even the most hesitant audience can become an enthusiastic, engaged one.
Planning an event and want to make sure your audience stays engaged? Let’s chat about how the right entertainment can transform your event!